Bands, venues and pubgoers have paid tribute to a much-loved sound engineer who has died.

Steve Jones worked at The Prince Albert pub in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, which plays live music every night. It is famous for its mural of music stars.

Steve, who has been involved with the pub for the past 20 years, died suddenly on Monday morning.

Hundreds of well-wishers passed on their condolences after the news spread.

Del Greening, of Eighties' punk rock band Peter And The Test Tube Babies, said the man known as Roadie Steve left a strong legacy.

He said: "Steve has always been part of the furniture of the Brighton music scene.

"He's always so good we didn't have to sound check. It sounded perfect first time, on the first beat of every song.
"There was nothing to worry about. He turned up, cracked a few jokes, did his job and went home.
"I can't believe he's not going to be around.

"It's got to be big boots to fill to have someone that reliable and professional.
"You didn't even have to arrange a time with him, he just sort of knew. You'd turn up on the night, he'd put the mics on and run the show."

Will Moore, venue manager at The Prince Albert, said he could hardly believe the news.

He said: “It’s quite shocking, really. I mean, I’m waiting for him to come in and want to get paid.
“He worked on Saturday night. He played with a band in the evening, we came into the pub on Sunday, and then by Monday lunchtime, it was all over."

Over the course of his lifelong career, Steve built up an impressive reputation among bands and other sound engineers. He could be found at events up and down the country.

Will said: “One day, I went to a secret gig down in Pilton, and the Stone Roses were on stage. It was a really big gig and I managed to get in there. I was looking around and there were loads of famous people out there, Bobby Gillespie for example.

“Suddenly, Steve just came right across the stage with a guitar. He’s everywhere.

“He’s worked for us for years and there’s quite a tight-knit group of crew. He lived and breathed that, really.”

The Argus: The Prince Albert Pub on Trafalgar Street. In 2004, the pub became the centre of media attention after Banksy unveiled his 'Kissing Coppers' artworkThe Prince Albert Pub on Trafalgar Street. In 2004, the pub became the centre of media attention after Banksy unveiled his 'Kissing Coppers' artwork

Johnny Clarke, a regular at The Prince Albert, said Steve was “a little cog in the wheel, and this cog is reliable".

Johnny was a promoter for bands across the city, and helped Steve join the live music scene over 40 years ago. He said: “Steve just came in one day, and really wanted to be involved.

“I wasn’t looking for him, if anything he forced himself upon me.”

Barman George Taylor, who has been at the family-run venue his whole life, said Steve has been part of the “fabric” of the pub.

He said: “He’s been around in some capacity for as long as I can remember. It’s a massive, massive loss to the pub and Brighton as a whole.

 “We know little about his private life and at the moment we’re trying to find any information regarding any family.

“We will have a celebration of his life and let you all know when it's taking place, no doubt he’ll be working that celestial console already and cursing someone.”
If you have any information about Steve or his family, email andrew.gardner@newsquest.co.uk and the details will be forwarded over appropriately.